Now familiar as the braided powerhouse on Food Network's hugely popular show The Next Iron Chef, chef Celina Tio got an early start in the kitchen. Even at the tender age of eight, her typical day used to involve shopping lists, Julia Child re-runs, baking and cooking for family and friends.

During seven years heading the kitchen at Kansas City’s renowned American Restaurant, Celina Tio garnered both local and national accolades. These included 2005 Chef of the year by Chef magazine and the James Beard Foundation’s 2007 Best Chef: Midwest.
Tio was also recently honored by KC Magazine as Chef of the Year for her first proprietary restaurant, JULIAN. At this popular Kansas City neighborhood gathering spot, she creates chef-driven “feel good food” for her guests, family and friends – just like she did in her youth.
Celina has not only wowed local critics, but was named one of thirteen “Chefs to keep your eye on” in Esquire magazine. John Mariani also praised his dining experience at The American Restaurant as one of seven “Best Meals in the USA” in his Virtual Gourmet column.